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Ruby Beach

Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
47.7099, -124.4136 Map & Directions
Length
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
60 feet
Highest Point
60 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Easy/Moderate
Gorgeous driftwood sculpted by the elements on Ruby Beach. Photo by Chris Lambertz. Full-size image
  • Wildlife
  • Good for kids
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Coast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None
Saved to My Backpack

Ruby Beach offers several miles of beach exploration, with unique rock formations and swirling sun-bleached driftwood. Continue reading

Rating
3.70 out of 5

(23 votes) Log in to rate

Hiking Ruby Beach

Just south of where the Hoh River meets the Pacific Ocean, Ruby Beach offers several miles of beach exploration, with unique rock formations and swirling sun-bleached driftwood. During low tide, it is possible to observe starfish, crabs, and other sea life among the tide pools and sea stacks, as well as explore the sands leading out to Abbey Island. Be sure to check the tidal charts before heading out!

Beginning at the parking lot trailhead, follow the trail down to the beach for approximately a quarter of a mile and navigate over driftwood to reach the beach. Near the bottom of this trail, Cedar Creek empties into a large pool ideal for play for children and families.

From here, choose your own adventure along the beach. To the north, walk about three miles past several large sea stacks and cliff faces until you reach the waters of the mighty Hoh River, which begins 56 miles away, cascading from the eastern side of Mount Olympus. To the south, it may be possible to hike about three miles to Steamboat Creek during low tide, with views of Destruction Island and its lighthouse to the west.

When you're finished exploring the beach, return to the trail over the driftwood and walk a quarter-mile to the trailhead.

Hike Description Written by
Chris Lambertz, WTA Correspondent

Ruby Beach

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.7099, -124.4136 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Forks, travel southbound on US 101 for 27 miles and turn right following signage for Ruby Beach just past mile marker 165.

From Kalaloch or for northbound travelers, follow US 101 north and turn left following signage for Ruby Beach just past mile marker 164.

The parking lot has space for approximately two dozen cars, with overflow parking along the road leading to the lot. There are two vault toilets available near the trailhead.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast

Ruby Beach (#14)

Olympic National Park

Guidebooks & Maps

Day Hiking: Olympic Peninsula (Romano - Mountaineers Books)

Custom Correct South Olympic Coast

Buy the Green Trails La Push No. 163S map

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Ruby Beach

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